Fund needed 'to cater to disaster-hit'

Dubai: The time is ripe now to establish a fund that can provide financial support during natural calamities, according to Maryam Mohammad Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of Social Affairs.

The minister put forward a set of proposals, including amending Cabinet resolution No. 11 for 2002 on relief at the times of disaster to allow more entities to join the recently-formed relief committee.

"thank God, the government, as well as NGOs were vigilant enough to attend to those affected by Cyclone Gonu. Nevertheless, more arrangements to protect citizens are needed to avoid and disasters in the future," she said.

Al Roumi noted that the Cabinet has assigned the Social Affairs Mministry to provide aid to the families affected by natural calamities. According to her, a total amount of Dh2.3 million has been allocated for that purpose.

"A committee was formed for that task, headed by the Social Affairs Minister and has members from the ministries of Interior, Finance Industry, Public Works, Environment, Water, as well as the General Secretariat of Municipalities."